6/11    What is the criterion used by the airlines to selectively screen
        passengers right before boarding (after scanning the boarding pass)?
        I got screened and thoroughly searched both times I flew (int'l) after
        this became a standard procedure even though I look nothing like and
        is not someone from middle east or an islamic country.
        \_ they dont use a criterion.  To do so (i.e. select all middle-eastern
            looking people) would be racial profiling.
        \_ you know those Reserve MPs they have patrolling aren't carrying
           loaded weapons.  They're carrying unloaded weapons.
           - sodan with brother in law patroling O'Hare
        \_ seriously, realistically, the underpaid workers who select who
           to screen pick the people they know aren't going to give them
           problems.  Sometimes you just want to go home safe and sound
           and you don't particularly care about the plane.
        \_ My freind looks like a terrorist, and they gave him the whole
           9 yards.  I think they also search the white people so that
           arab americans do not get offended.  They backed off when the
           playstation 2 in the black suitcase started normally.  Though
           in retrospect, the IDE hard drive bay could pack many explosives.
           \_ yes, my friend's uncle's son works at SFO as a screener
              and the standard procedure is that before they get to the
              middle eastern guy they'll search the prev guy very thoroughly
              as an insurance to potential lawsuits
           \_ oh it's WAY WAY simpler.  Go to some grocery store and buy
              chardonay.  Uncork, drink, consume.  Fill bottle with gasoline.
              now, Recork (yes there are kits for home wineries for this).
              Pack in suitcase.  They NEVER ask about wine or sample wine.
              Now you have an excuse to carry 6 BIG FUCKING MOLOTOVS on
              the plane.  How to deploy: go to bathroom.  Smash bottles necks'
              together.  Use socks and plastic BIC lighter to light.  Throw
              liberally.
              \_ bfd.  And so what?  You'll burn yourself alive and force the
                 plane to land early?  gosh, that's uh truly erm terrifying!!!